ZANU PF politicians in Mashonaland Central reportedly nearly came to blows at Independence Day celebrations in Bindura on Tuesday over sitting positions on the podium, with some supporting under-fire provincial chairperson Dickson, Mafios and others his deputy, Kazembe Kazembe.
BY STAFF REPORTER
The two claim to be substantive chairpersons of the province.
Mafios is accused of working with his brother and political commissar, Saviour Kasukuwere, to form parallel structures meant to undermine President Robert Mugabe. Those fighting Mafios, including war veterans, reportedly wanted to embarrass him in front of multitudes of people if he insisted on sitting on the podium.
According to sources, the scuffle happened at Provincial Affairs minister Martin Dinha’s office before continuing into the celebrations. Provincial war veterans leader, Sam Parirenyatwa confirmed the development, saying had Mafios insisted on sitting at the top table, he would have been embarrassed.
“He initially insisted that he be on the podium, but we told him that he should respect the will of the people. We advised him that it was not possible because he had been suspended,” Parirenyatwa said.
“He has no authority to represent the party. We told him that if he wanted to avoid being manhandled and all the embarrassment because people, especially the youths and war veterans, were cross with him, he must not come to the podium.”
Parirenyatwa said Mafios later heeded the call and avoided sitting in the tent.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
However, Mafios told NewsDay yesterday that the behaviour exhibited towards him showed political immaturity.
“I gave them the chance to take a person of their choice to the podium. I said to myself I am not coming to the podium because, remember, I was going there to celebrate independence and not to sit on the podium. From the briefing that we did, we only agreed that the podium was oversubscribed and I said it was a sign of immaturity to argue over a podium,” he said.
“You cannot argue on who should sit on the podium. I restrained myself from sitting on the podium so that they could achieve what they wanted to achieve.
“Following the nature of events happening in our country, you can’t argue, if you are a normal politician over sitting arrangements at Independence Day celebrations. Even at the National Sports Stadium not everyone sits close to the President yet the presidential speech delivered by the President is heard by everyone.”
